Singer’s ode to Edmonton

Local musician Pete Pritchard writes about life in Edmonton – and how it inspired a new song

I grew up in Edmonton, attending
Houndsfield School and leaving at 15 to work at the MK Electric
factory, then the area’s largest employer.

In those days, before computers, the
main interest for youngsters was either football or music. I chose
music, and as far back as I can remember all I wanted to do was be in
a band. It wasn’t long before I joined a local group and was
performing in the local pubs and clubs.

I met so many wonderful Edmonton
characters in those early days, and happily, many remain my friends
to this day. The band received so much support from the local
community that it wasn’t long before MK Electric had to manage
without me. My band, The Flying Saucers, had several successful years
touring throughout Europe. We even became backing musicians for many
artists – including Chuck Berry!

Edmonton has always been full of
creativity. My second band, The Avengers, was again made up of local
musicians. We recorded several albums together and still occasionally
reform for a reunion gig.

I went on to become a freelance
musician and my career got a big boost in 1992 when I started working
with Elvis Presley musicians; guitarist Scotty Moore, drummer DJ
Fontana, sax player Boots Randolph, vocal quartet The Jordanaires,
and later guitarist James Burton. These guys played on everything
from Heartbreak Hotel to Hound Dog. I was spending more
and more time recording in Nashville, and touring America. While
playing in Jackson, Tennessee, I was even inducted into the
International Rockabilly Hall of Fame!

I loved being in Nashville but I was
always happy to get back to my Edmonton home. Since then, I’ve
co-owned my own record label, produced an award-winning documentary
for BBC Radio 2, and worked with some of the world’s great rock
musicians including Eric Clapton, Alvin Lee, Chris Isaak, and Billy
Swan.

Last year an invitation came from
studio owner James Johnston to record a new solo album at The Cowshed
Recording Studio in Bounds Green. It was to be all original work, so
I decided to write a song about Edmonton. I wanted to express my love
for my home town but also write it as a counter-balance to recent
horrendous events.

Of course, we do have really serious
social issues that urgently need to be addressed, but Edmonton people
are still resolute, full of good humour, kind and generous. Our young
people are good natured and creative; we need to invest in them and
give them hope. I want them to have the same opportunities that I
enjoyed.

My song Edmonton is a snapshot
of my life and reflects the happiness that the area has given me. I
remain optimistic for Edmonton. The nearby Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
and surrounding regeneration can only be a good thing. A few more
venues for musicians to perform at would be a good thing too!

Listen to and buy Pete Pritchard’s new album Making Tracks, including thesong Edmonton:Visitpetepritchard.co.uk